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Sony 7600gr newbie questions
I have just ordered a Sony 7600gr after having a bad first experience
with another radio that wasn't all that great. I decided on this model after reading a lot of the industry and consumer reviews, and -- more importantly -- reading a lot of the suggestions on this message board. If anyone can help me with a few basic questions, it would be greatly appreciated! Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries? In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too? Or are there better suggestions for an antenna -- if one is even suggested. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting the 7600gr, so thanx for all the great information on these boards! Jim |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
Hi Jim:
I have a SONY ICF SW7600GR and enjoy it. As with most portables, It's best to use batteries. I use rechargables in mine and they work great lasting around 30+ of play hours before recharging is necessary. Some helpful hints: The RF attenuator works on both AM and FM. If you live in a city, you may need to attenuate the FM to avoid overloading and unwanted images. You'll love the sync detect for AM. It allows you to dratically reduce interference from strong stations when listening to weak ones on a nearby frequency. For example; if you are trying to listen to a signal on 1200 KHz and there is an interfereing one on 1210 KHz, switch the set to lower sideband and turn on the sync detect. The interference from 1210 KHz virtually vanishes! If there is an interfereing signal on 1190 KHz, switch to upper sideband with sync detect on. The SONY ICF SW7600GR has pretty good sensitivity on MW, but not excellent. It's a coat-pocket size set and obviously doesn't sport a big internal ferrite bar for MW. However, place it in the circumfrence of a proximate loop and its MW sensitivity becomes supercharged and will hear just about anything out there! The SONY ICF SW7600GR does quite well on SW. I use mine with the optional SONY AN-LP1 amplified SW loop antenna. That combination works quite well. You can use a long-wire as well. The audio is good for a radio of its size. But if you want bigger sound, you can feed it into an amplified speaker system or just listen through headphones. Speaking of headphones; the FM stereo simply sounds awesome through good headphones with this receiver. I find that there is a bit of amplifier hiss heard through good headphones, but most good headsets have an in-line volume control which one can reduce slightly to make the hiss unnoticeable. Hope that helps, Wayne jamman wrote: I have just ordered a Sony 7600gr after having a bad first experience with another radio that wasn't all that great. I decided on this model after reading a lot of the industry and consumer reviews, and -- more importantly -- reading a lot of the suggestions on this message board. If anyone can help me with a few basic questions, it would be greatly appreciated! Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries? In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too? Or are there better suggestions for an antenna -- if one is even suggested. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting the 7600gr, so thanx for all the great information on these boards! Jim |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
"jamman" wrote Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries? The proper power supply for Sony radios are expensive - $100. (I have one) In my experience using both batteries and the Sony power supply, the power supply is excellent. In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too? No. For shortwave consider the Sony AN-LP1 antenna. Highly recommended but currently hard to find. Or are there better suggestions for an antenna -- if one is even suggested. I use a the Terk AM Advantage loop with excellent results. Cradle the 7600GR inside the Terk loop. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. None. It is the best portable shortwave receiver in its class, period. |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
Wayne wrote:
Hi Jim: I have a SONY ICF SW7600GR and enjoy it. As with most portables, It's best to use batteries. I use rechargables in mine and they work great lasting around 30+ of play hours before recharging is necessary. If you need to turn up the volume like I always did at work then expect 20-25 hours. You'll know when its time to change batteries as it'll just shut off instead of getting quieter. Some helpful hints: The RF attenuator works on both AM and FM. If you live in a city, you may need to attenuate the FM to avoid overloading and unwanted images. Very good advice. You'll love the sync detect for AM. It allows you to dratically reduce interference from strong stations when listening to weak ones on a nearby frequency. For example; if you are trying to listen to a signal on 1200 KHz and there is an interfereing one on 1210 KHz, switch the set to lower sideband and turn on the sync detect. The interference from 1210 KHz virtually vanishes! If there is an interfereing signal on 1190 KHz, switch to upper sideband with sync detect on. This is the best thing about the 7600GR! The SONY ICF SW7600GR has pretty good sensitivity on MW, but not excellent. It's a coat-pocket size set and obviously doesn't sport a big internal ferrite bar for MW. However, place it in the circumfrence of a proximate loop and its MW sensitivity becomes supercharged and will hear just about anything out there! A loop wiill help on MW, though it is quite sensitive on its own (but no match for an RF-2200). Very selective with the synch so that'll help. The SONY ICF SW7600GR does quite well on SW. I use mine with the optional SONY AN-LP1 amplified SW loop antenna. That combination works quite well. You can use a long-wire as well. Definitely find an AN-LP1. Much better than using a wire on SW here. Worth the money. The audio is good for a radio of its size. But if you want bigger sound, you can feed it into an amplified speaker system or just listen through headphones. Speaking of headphones; the FM stereo simply sounds awesome through good headphones with this receiver. I find that there is a bit of amplifier hiss heard through good headphones, but most good headsets have an in-line volume control which one can reduce slightly to make the hiss unnoticeable. I really don't like the audio from its speaker at all, but if you are using it at home you can indeed use a speaker system. Wayne Wayne knows what he's talking about, all good stuff. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. This may not count as a quirk, but I found that the 7600GR makes a terrible bedside radio. The tiny switches on the side need a firm push to move and there are too many buttons to accidently hit when trying to change memory frequencies, all of which require getting up to play with the radio instead of relaxing with it. The Sleep Timer is nice, though. Jim |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
justice wrote: Wayne wrote: Hi Jim: I have a SONY ICF SW7600GR and enjoy it. As with most portables, It's best to use batteries. I use rechargables in mine and they work great lasting around 30+ of play hours before recharging is necessary. If you need to turn up the volume like I always did at work then expect 20-25 hours. You'll know when its time to change batteries as it'll just shut off instead of getting quieter. What Sony does is they drain the batteries down to something like 0.6V, then cut off the radio operation so that the battery retains the memory. This puts a strain on rechargable batteries that are not supposed to be drained below 0.9V. Some helpful hints: The RF attenuator works on both AM and FM. If you live in a city, you may need to attenuate the FM to avoid overloading and unwanted images. Very good advice. You'll love the sync detect for AM. It allows you to dratically reduce interference from strong stations when listening to weak ones on a nearby frequency. For example; if you are trying to listen to a signal on 1200 KHz and there is an interfereing one on 1210 KHz, switch the set to lower sideband and turn on the sync detect. The interference from 1210 KHz virtually vanishes! If there is an interfereing signal on 1190 KHz, switch to upper sideband with sync detect on. This is the best thing about the 7600GR! The SONY ICF SW7600GR has pretty good sensitivity on MW, but not excellent. It's a coat-pocket size set and obviously doesn't sport a big internal ferrite bar for MW. However, place it in the circumfrence of a proximate loop and its MW sensitivity becomes supercharged and will hear just about anything out there! A loop wiill help on MW, though it is quite sensitive on its own (but no match for an RF-2200). Very selective with the synch so that'll help. The SONY ICF SW7600GR does quite well on SW. I use mine with the optional SONY AN-LP1 amplified SW loop antenna. That combination works quite well. You can use a long-wire as well. Definitely find an AN-LP1. Much better than using a wire on SW here. Worth the money. The audio is good for a radio of its size. But if you want bigger sound, you can feed it into an amplified speaker system or just listen through headphones. Speaking of headphones; the FM stereo simply sounds awesome through good headphones with this receiver. I find that there is a bit of amplifier hiss heard through good headphones, but most good headsets have an in-line volume control which one can reduce slightly to make the hiss unnoticeable. I really don't like the audio from its speaker at all, but if you are using it at home you can indeed use a speaker system. Wayne Wayne knows what he's talking about, all good stuff. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. This may not count as a quirk, but I found that the 7600GR makes a terrible bedside radio. The tiny switches on the side need a firm push to move and there are too many buttons to accidently hit when trying to change memory frequencies, all of which require getting up to play with the radio instead of relaxing with it. The Sleep Timer is nice, though. Jim |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
The 7600GR, if you just leave it around for a month or so running its
clock, will badly wobble the weakest cell, which will be reverse-charged by the stronger cells, if you use rechargeables (which everybody does). Replace the batteries very regularly even if you don't play it. I can generally revive the weakest cell using an old charger to start it off, and then cycling it in a modern charger a few times, but it would be better not to let the other cells get to it at all. It's not a matter of running the voltage down to .6V, but that by that time, the weakest cell is already charged backwards by the others. -- Ron Hardin On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk. |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
Ron Hardin wrote: The 7600GR, if you just leave it around for a month or so running its clock, will badly wobble the weakest cell, which will be reverse-charged by the stronger cells, if you use rechargeables (which everybody does). Replace the batteries very regularly even if you don't play it. I can generally revive the weakest cell using an old charger to start it off, and then cycling it in a modern charger a few times, but it would be better not to let the other cells get to it at all. It's not a matter of running the voltage down to .6V, but that by that time, the weakest cell is already charged backwards by the others. -- Ron Hardin On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk. Actually, both issues are something to worry about. The radio is designed for alkaline cells AND to use them to retain memory settings. This scheme works fine, but will overdischarge secondary cells. |
So You Want To Buy A - Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Shortwave Loop Antenna
On Nov 8, 7:49 am, "snoopy" wrote:
"jamman" wrote Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries?The proper power supply for Sony radios are expensive - $100. (I have one) In my experience using both batteries and the Sony power supply, the power supply is excellent. In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too?No. - For shortwave consider the Sony AN-LP1 antenna. - Highly recommended but currently hard to find. Snoopy & Jamman, These are 8 of the Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Antennas currently available via eBay offered by a Seller in Japan. Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Antenna - eBay Listing http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ160052529512 http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-AN-LP1-Port...mZ160052529512 eBay Seller - SmartImports http://myworld.ebay.com/smartimports/ eBay Member since : Jan-31-00 Seller's Location : Japan NOTE - They have a Buy-It-Now Price of US$89 plus US$15 for S&H from Japan to the USA. INFO - Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Antenna http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...ff02435e395f22 http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...fbd42e96abbbb8 http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...705b787de4ee41 READ - Using the Sony AN-LP1 Active Shortwave Loop Antenna with the Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio http://groups.google.com/group/rec.r...71f5107eef0b02 http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...71f5107eef0b02 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...na/message/664 TIP - Using an External LongWire {Random Wire} Antenna with the Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio READ - "Three Ways to Use the 'Portable Wire Antenna' (PWA)" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...na/message/306 Works well with the Sony ICF-2010 and will work well with the Sony ICF-SW7600GR too; and many other 'portable' SW Radios http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...a/message/1728 How-To-Use the "Portable Wire Antenna" (PWA) with many 'portable' AM/FM Shorwave Radios http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...a/message/3046 READ - Sony ICF-SW7600GR a few External Antenna Options http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...a/message/1088 READ - Sony ICF-SW7600GR Radio and Sony AN-LP1 {SW} and Select-A-Tenna {AM/MW} Antennas http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...a/message/5870 hope this helps - it's christmas time - shop early ~ RHF and be sure to buy a shortwave radio of antenna for yourself :o) .. Shortwave Listener Antennas = http://tinyurl.com/ogvcf http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/ SWL Antenna Group = http://tinyurl.com/ogvcf |
So You Want To Buy A - Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Shortwave Loop Antenna
Here is another Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Antenna
- eBay Listing from Japan http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ130050864985 http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-AN-LP1-Port...mZ130050864985 There are 4 of the Sony AN-LP1 Portable Active Antennas currently available via eBay offered by another Seller in Japan. eBay Seller - "BuyFromJapan" = http://myworld.ebay.com/buyfromjapan/ eBay Member since : Apr-28-02 Seller's Location : Japan Again - TheSony AN-LP1 Antennas have a Buy-It-Now Price of US$89 plus US$15 for S&H from Japan to the USA. that's all folks - iane ~ RHF |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
Dear Jim,
If you've read some of my previous posts, you know that I do not recommend use of the ICF-SW7600GR with an AC adapter. That being said, should you still want one, the best (and also the least expensive) one is the Radio Shack Model 273-1758 6-Volt 300 mA Regulated and Filtered AC Adapter, $12.99; RS supplies one "Adapt-a-Plug" free with each adapter. The correct one for the Sony radio is 273-1705. This adapter works well with the radio and injects only little, if any, noise into the signal. There is certainly no need whatsoever to spend $100 for an AC adapter! Regarding rechargeable battery use with the radio: if you use NiMH rechargeables, 2500 mAh each or more, and you use the radio frequently, there will be absolutely no problems with the use of rechargeables. I suggest that you buy two sets of batteries, $10.00 per set, and a charger in which one set can be left at all times. In other words, as you use one set, the second set can be recharged and the charge can be maintained through trickle-charging. Then when the first set goes flat, it can be immediately replaced with the second set. Some Maha chargers do this and so does the C. Crane QuickCharger. These chargers can also "condition" the batteries and this maximizes their life. I personally have been using NiMH rechargeables in my ICF-SW7600GRs for over five years now and have never had any difficulties whatsoever. The AN-LP1 antenna is well-worth seeking out as it is an excellent match for this radio. It really improves SW reception. If you find one for $110.00 or less (including shipping), that price is "right." For improved MW reception, the Select-A-Tenna works well, as does the C. Crane "Justice" antenna, in inductive mode, but the least costly auxiliary MW antenna is the Terk AM Advantage which can be had for $29.95 plus shipping from B&H Photo/Video as well as some other stores. Note that any auxiliary MW antenna must be used as an induction antenna; it cannot be plugged into the Sony's antenna socket. (And also note that the AN-LP1 - or any other SW antenna plugged into the socket - must be physically disconnected for proper MW/LW reception.) Also note that you MUST put two AA batteries into the AN-LP1's control box. The ICF-SW7600GR will turn the antenna on and off but does NOT actually "power" the antenna as some reviews have stated. I hope all of the above is of some use to you and I wish you the very best of luck with your new Sony ICF-SW7600GR radio. I believe you will derive much pleasure and edification it. Joe jamman wrote: I have just ordered a Sony 7600gr after having a bad first experience with another radio that wasn't all that great. I decided on this model after reading a lot of the industry and consumer reviews, and -- more importantly -- reading a lot of the suggestions on this message board. If anyone can help me with a few basic questions, it would be greatly appreciated! Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries? In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too? Or are there better suggestions for an antenna -- if one is even suggested. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting the 7600gr, so thanx for all the great information on these boards! Jim |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
Sorry for top posting reply.
Does the AN-LP1 antenna have an active amplifier inside? I know that some antennas may have a varactor diode inside which also requires a voltage source. I hope to have 7600GR by Dec 25. I am not looking for a loop antenna. Just curious. 73 NEO Joe Analssandrini wrote: Dear Jim, If you've read some of my previous posts, you know that I do not recommend use of the ICF-SW7600GR with an AC adapter. That being said, should you still want one, the best (and also the least expensive) one is the Radio Shack Model 273-1758 6-Volt 300 mA Regulated and Filtered AC Adapter, $12.99; RS supplies one "Adapt-a-Plug" free with each adapter. The correct one for the Sony radio is 273-1705. This adapter works well with the radio and injects only little, if any, noise into the signal. There is certainly no need whatsoever to spend $100 for an AC adapter! Regarding rechargeable battery use with the radio: if you use NiMH rechargeables, 2500 mAh each or more, and you use the radio frequently, there will be absolutely no problems with the use of rechargeables. I suggest that you buy two sets of batteries, $10.00 per set, and a charger in which one set can be left at all times. In other words, as you use one set, the second set can be recharged and the charge can be maintained through trickle-charging. Then when the first set goes flat, it can be immediately replaced with the second set. Some Maha chargers do this and so does the C. Crane QuickCharger. These chargers can also "condition" the batteries and this maximizes their life. I personally have been using NiMH rechargeables in my ICF-SW7600GRs for over five years now and have never had any difficulties whatsoever. The AN-LP1 antenna is well-worth seeking out as it is an excellent match for this radio. It really improves SW reception. If you find one for $110.00 or less (including shipping), that price is "right." For improved MW reception, the Select-A-Tenna works well, as does the C. Crane "Justice" antenna, in inductive mode, but the least costly auxiliary MW antenna is the Terk AM Advantage which can be had for $29.95 plus shipping from B&H Photo/Video as well as some other stores. Note that any auxiliary MW antenna must be used as an induction antenna; it cannot be plugged into the Sony's antenna socket. (And also note that the AN-LP1 - or any other SW antenna plugged into the socket - must be physically disconnected for proper MW/LW reception.) Also note that you MUST put two AA batteries into the AN-LP1's control box. The ICF-SW7600GR will turn the antenna on and off but does NOT actually "power" the antenna as some reviews have stated. I hope all of the above is of some use to you and I wish you the very best of luck with your new Sony ICF-SW7600GR radio. I believe you will derive much pleasure and edification it. Joe jamman wrote: I have just ordered a Sony 7600gr after having a bad first experience with another radio that wasn't all that great. I decided on this model after reading a lot of the industry and consumer reviews, and -- more importantly -- reading a lot of the suggestions on this message board. If anyone can help me with a few basic questions, it would be greatly appreciated! Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries? In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too? Or are there better suggestions for an antenna -- if one is even suggested. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting the 7600gr, so thanx for all the great information on these boards! Jim |
Sony 7600gr newbie questions
On Nov 24, 7:53 pm, "N9NEO" wrote: Sorry for top posting reply. ? Does the AN-LP1 antenna have an active amplifier inside ? Yes ! ~ RHF I know that some antennas may have a varactor diode inside which also requires a voltage source. I hope to have 7600GR by Dec 25. I am not looking for a loop antenna. Just curious. 73 NEO Joe Analssandrini wrote: Dear Jim, If you've read some of my previous posts, you know that I do not recommend use of the ICF-SW7600GR with an AC adapter. That being said, should you still want one, the best (and also the least expensive) one is the Radio Shack Model 273-1758 6-Volt 300 mA Regulated and Filtered AC Adapter, $12.99; RS supplies one "Adapt-a-Plug" free with each adapter. The correct one for the Sony radio is 273-1705. This adapter works well with the radio and injects only little, if any, noise into the signal. There is certainly no need whatsoever to spend $100 for an AC adapter! Regarding rechargeable battery use with the radio: if you use NiMH rechargeables, 2500 mAh each or more, and you use the radio frequently, there will be absolutely no problems with the use of rechargeables. I suggest that you buy two sets of batteries, $10.00 per set, and a charger in which one set can be left at all times. In other words, as you use one set, the second set can be recharged and the charge can be maintained through trickle-charging. Then when the first set goes flat, it can be immediately replaced with the second set. Some Maha chargers do this and so does the C. Crane QuickCharger. These chargers can also "condition" the batteries and this maximizes their life. I personally have been using NiMH rechargeables in my ICF-SW7600GRs for over five years now and have never had any difficulties whatsoever. The AN-LP1 antenna is well-worth seeking out as it is an excellent match for this radio. It really improves SW reception. If you find one for $110.00 or less (including shipping), that price is "right." For improved MW reception, the Select-A-Tenna works well, as does the C. Crane "Justice" antenna, in inductive mode, but the least costly auxiliary MW antenna is the Terk AM Advantage which can be had for $29.95 plus shipping from B&H Photo/Video as well as some other stores. Note that any auxiliary MW antenna must be used as an induction antenna; it cannot be plugged into the Sony's antenna socket. (And also note that the AN-LP1 - or any other SW antenna plugged into the socket - must be physically disconnected for proper MW/LW reception.) Also note that you MUST put two AA batteries into the AN-LP1's control box. The ICF-SW7600GR will turn the antenna on and off but does NOT actually "power" the antenna as some reviews have stated. I hope all of the above is of some use to you and I wish you the very best of luck with your new Sony ICF-SW7600GR radio. I believe you will derive much pleasure and edification it. Joe jamman wrote: I have just ordered a Sony 7600gr after having a bad first experience with another radio that wasn't all that great. I decided on this model after reading a lot of the industry and consumer reviews, and -- more importantly -- reading a lot of the suggestions on this message board. If anyone can help me with a few basic questions, it would be greatly appreciated! Is there any difference between using a power cord and using batteries? In trying to boost reception on my first radio, I relied on a longwire antenna. Can this be used to boost the AM reception on the 7600gr too? Or are there better suggestions for an antenna -- if one is even suggested. Any quirks that I should be aware of also would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting the 7600gr, so thanx for all the great information on these boards! Jim- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - |
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